Hugh Spotswood was born in Ballarat, Victoria, was single and a Driver when he enlisted with the 23rd Battalion, B Company on 18 February 1915 at the age of 22. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A14 Euripides on 10 May 1915. On 4 August 1916, while severing I France, he was wounded in action with a gunshot wound to the buttock and was invalided to hospital in York, England where he remained until October, when he marched in to Weymouth. During a brief period in February 1917 he was charged with being absent without leave for 10 days, resulting in 84 days detention. However, he served only 14 days due to good conduct. He returned to Australia 2 January 1919

He was awarded the Military Medal in December 19617 for bravery in the field.
Tree No. 398